Shock finish season on high note with 63-53 win

SPOKANE, WA (July 21st, 2012) – In the final week of the AFL regular season the Spokane Shock (10-8) hosted the Tampa Bay Storm (8-10) at the Spokane Arena in front of 8,973 fans and came away with the win by a final score of 63-53.

Tampa Bay controlled the first quarter, scoring on their opening drive of the game on a two yard run by QB Stephen Wasil. After Spokane promptly responded with a 36-yd TD pass from QB Kyle Rowley to WR Adron Tennell, Tampa Bay connected on a 35-yd TD pass from QB Stephen Wasil to WR Joe Hills to give the Storm the lead at 13-7 at the end of the first quarter.

As second quarter action continued, Spokane opened with a one yard QB sneak by Kyle Rowley to put the Shock back on top by one point. On the ensuing kickoff, the ball would hit the bar and was recovered by Shock DB Patrick Stoudamire on the two yard line and taken into the end zone for the touchdown. After the two quick scores, the Shock were able to hold Tampa Bay to a 35-yd field goal to maintain a five point lead at 21-16. WR Adron Tennell would make his presence well known in the second quarter, scoring twice on passes from QB Kyle Rowley. With his first half performance, Adron overtook former Shock WR Huey Whittaker's Single Season TD reception record and now holds Single Season franchise records in receptions, yardage, and touchdowns. At the half, Spokane would lead Tampa Bay by a score of 35-30.

In the first half, Tampa Bay QB Stephen Wasil completed 13 of 19 attempts for 179 yards and 2 TDs. WR Joe Hills would led the Storm receiving effort with 4 receptions for 115 yards and 2 TDs. For Spokane, QB Kyle Rowley completed 10 of 14 attempts for 114 yards and 3 TDs. Adron Tennell led the receivers in the first half as he brought in 5 receptions for 76 yards and 3 TDs.

The third quarter would be highlighted by each team's defensive play as each teams' offense combined for only seven points. Shock DE James Ruffin and DE Jeremy Geathers would each come away with forced fumbles as they were able to get to Storm QB Stephen Wasil and knock the ball away. Tampa Bay was also able to come away with a goal line stand and stripped Spokane FB Andrew Nierman as he attempted to push his way into the end zone. While each team was able to create opportunities, the stale mate continued through the quarter and ended with Spokane leading 42-30.

In the final quarter of play, each team's offenses would reemerge and combine for a total of six touchdowns. After Spokane scored in the opening moments of the fourth quarter and took a 19 point lead, the Storm were forced to play from a deep hole and were led strongly by Tampa Bay WR Joe Hills would score his third TD of the contest. Despite the Storm's best effort to bring the game back within reach, they were unable to close the gap and fell to Spokane by a final score of 63-53.

For Spokane, QB Kyle Rowley completed 24 of 33 attempts for 245 yards and 6 TDs. WR Adron Tennell led the receivers with 10 receptions for 140 yards and 4 TDs while Steven Black pulled in 5 receptions for 45 yards and 2 TDs. Defensively, DE James Ruffin forced and recovered a fumble while DE Jeremy Geathers recorded a forced fumble that was recovered by DB Paul Stephens. DB Patrick Stoudamire had a key play as he recovered a bar ball and took it into the end zone for the Shock score.

On Wednesday, the Spokane Empire announced that they will cease operations and not play football in 2018. This news came as a surprise to many players, including running back Trevor Kennedy, who said he was appreciative for all the support Spokane has given the Empire.

The Spokane Empire have announced that they will cease operations and will not be be playing football in the 2018 season. The Empire's franchise began as the Spokane Shock in the summer of 2005 as a part of the af2 league. During their time in the af2, the Shock won the league championship in 2006 and 2009, while also making the playoffs every year in the league (2006-2009).

Spokane native Brett Rypien was one of 146 student-athletes nominated for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, the American Football Coaches Association announced on Monday. The former Shadle Park Highlander and current Boise State Broncos quarterback has made a name for himself on the field.

Spokane, Washington – The Indoor Football League announced the All-IFL First and Second Team honors for the 2017 regular season. Two Empire players were selected. Both Empire players selected were members of the Empire defense that proved dominate throughout the 2017 season.

The Spokane Empire (8-7, 7-4) will travel to Salt Lake on Friday to take on the Screaming Eagles (4-11, 3-8) and wrap up the 2017 regular season. This is a must-win game for the Empire if they want to make the Intense Conference playoffs.

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Richard Sherman flexes after making the biggest play of his career in the NFC Championship game last Sunday!

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Just 36 hours after being released by the Seattle Seahawks, three-time All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman has agreed to a 3-year $39 million dollar deal with the San Francisco 49ers, according to multiple reports. Sherman was one of the faces of the Seahawks vaunted defense known as the Legion of Boom. He has led the NFL in interceptions and passes defended since entering the league in 2011. Sherman met with the 49ers Friday night into Saturday afternoon before agreeing to the deal. ...>>

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